BATMAN #9

[ MY HOUSE IS FOR SALE ] 

The Batman is decked out in his gear. He looks like a stout pint of beer. His hands are clawed. His face looks board. Plus he resembles the actor Richard Gere. But then again it could be someone like Writer: Scott Snyder; Artist: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion; with Publisher: DC Comics in April 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

This particular instalment of the 'Night of the Owls' saga is like J-Lo, Shakira, and Beyonce, all butt-naked and ready to boogie. Nice to follow with your eyes, and with one hell of a back-end.

• You see, both Bruce and Alfred have a plan in mind to get rid of their Talon infestation from the Batcave. A plan that involves a lot of hard-work, a very fetching piece of body armor, a dinosaur, and a climate control system too.
• Now in a manner of speaking this plan works! Leaving Batman to suit up and head on out to his nightly patrol, so that he can put a stop this attack once and for all.
• However, as soon as the Dark Knight updates himself on the current 'Owl situation', he is aghast at what is happening to his City. Attacks. Murders. Plus his allies tying their best to hold their own.
• Eventually Batman makes his way to the office of Lincoln Marsh, where he is suddenly presented with some very surprising discoveries. Death. Murder. Revenge. And some very important information me thinks.  

In the back-up feature, Alfred's father, Jarvis, writes a letter to his son, explaining why he had inadvertently caused 'the Wayne's' downfall.

Him and an owl?!?!

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

Batman's closing remarks about 'The Court of Owls' was pure Clint Eastwood...

'They came to my house. Now I am going to burn theirs down'.

You have got to love a bit of Clint.

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

There are many things to really like about this tale all in all. I enjoyed the fight with the owls. I loved it when the dinosaur stamping his presence onto the proceedings. Plus the Lincoln Marsh scene and the back-up feature was a right blast too. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

This book is pure bliss. The only way I can fault it is to say that DC should give it to me for free. Say no more, ha!

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: Although within the story it acted as a throw-away piece of suspense, that scene when Batman went into Lincoln March's office, only for Lincoln to shoot a gun and say 'Bruce Wayne' in turn... well... that was blooming fantastic!!! My heart skipped a beat before I flicked to the next page. Perfect.

Also, the whole Jarvis back-story was a well constructed and mysterious tale too. It had a very nice mixture of narration, flashbacks, and 'live action', complemented with a candle light tone that suited this tale down to the ground.

ART: Both of the artists on this book were really-really great. Greg Capullo has that grainy style that is one part urbane and one part coy. Whereas Jonathan Glapion work has really shone in this issue, capturing a rustic tone with a melancholy attitude.

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

JARVIS: OK, I know that he has been dead for quite a long time now. But if we could bring him back to life, I am sure that old school English actor and one time Scrooge, Alistair Sims, would do Alfred's papa justice.

LINCOLN: Look at him God damn it!! Doesn't Josh Brolin from the film 'Milk' look like a man that would do right by his City. I did say 'look' remember.  

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

Do You Have A Owl Infestation? Call BAT-DINOSAUR Now For A Free Estimation.

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

OK, so this issue was basically a 'fight for survival' type tale, agreed? Plus it also had a suspenseful element to it as well. One that dipped in and out whenever it wanted to. Therefore, in my estimation, this story is like the Rocky theme tune, 'Eye Of The Tiger', by Survivor.

FINAL thoughts...

Time and time again this creative team does not disappoint in presenting a very captivating and dynamic read each and every month. Moreover, when I checked out the back-up feature I was just stoked. My 'Alfred connection' which I guessed at last issue may actually be right on the money. With his family and Bruce's family having a history together with the Owls.

Ha! I love it when I'm right.

Good on you guys. Keep them Bat's flying.

MARKS out of 10? 9.5